Yes! The single-player story is approved and considered part of the official Star Wars canon by Lucasfilm.

When does it take place?

The single-player campaign picks up after the end of Return of the Jedi and covers the 30-year span between that movie and The Force Awakens. The multiplayer includes characters and locations from "all eras" of the Star Wars timeline.

What's the story about?

The single-player campaign stars Iden Versio, an Imperial commander who's seeking to avenge the Emperor following the destruction of the Death Star. Most of the story will be from the Empire's perspective, but there will also be missions where you play as established characters, including Luke Skywalker and Kylo Ren. It also introduces a new planet, Iden's homeworld of Vardos.

How does multiplayer work?

Multiplayer matches can include up to 40 players. The game features a class system for troopers, which can be upgraded as you play and customized for your play style. Trooper skins will change to match the era and location of battle for more authenticity.

The game will also bring back heroes, which can also be upgraded as you play and unlock abilities. The heroes confirmed so far include Darth Maul, Yoda, Luke Skywalker, Rey, and Kylo Ren. Mutliplayer will include characters from all of Star Wars canon, and it seems that unlike the troopers, their availability in battle won't be tied to that battle's place in the timeline.

What about vehicles?

Vehicles work the same way troopers and heroes do; they're upgradeable and customizable. There are more run-of-the-mill vehicles, like TIE fighters, as well as "hero ships," like the Millennium Falcon. There are also rideable tauntauns.

What comes with a preorder/the deluxe edition?

The Elite Trooper Deluxe Edition of Battlefront II includes a slew of bonuses for those who preorder. They are:

Access to play Battlefront II on November 14, three days early

Upgraded versions of all four trooper classes (Officer, Assault, Heavy, and Specialist)

Four epic ability upgrades--one for each trooper class

Instant weapon unlocks and weapon modifications for each trooper class

Exclusive Kylo Ren- and Rey-themed looks, inspired by Star Wars: The Last JediEpic ability modifiers for Kylo Ren and Rey

An epic ability modifier for the Millennium Falcon

Preordering the standard version gets you the last three bonuses only. The standard version is $60, while the deluxe is $80.

An original story where we get to play as the Empire, neat. Shame it's single-player, from the trailer I thought it might be co-op with those Special Forces dudes.